If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comforting goodness of pasta, you are in for a real treat. This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe takes tender, juicy flank steak, sweet caramelized peppers and onions, and rich provolone cheese, blending them with creamy sauce and al dente pasta for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and totally satisfying. It’s comfort food with a fun twist that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to wow your taste buds without complicated fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and savory pasta dish. Each element is essential: the flank steak adds meaty depth, the peppers and onions contribute color and sweetness, and the provolone cheese brings that signature creamy cheesesteak flavor.
- 1 pound flank steak: Choose a fresh, well-marbled piece for tenderness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables, adds subtle fruity notes.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Provides natural sweetness and texture when caramelized.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings sweetness and brightens the dish visually.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 8 oz cooked pasta: Use your favorite type to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances every flavor.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Key to capturing that authentic Philly cheesesteak essence.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Flank Steak
Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat, then season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper. Adding olive oil to the hot pan, sear the steak for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it achieves a beautiful crust and reaches your preferred doneness. This step locks in the juices and ensures each bite stays tender.
Step 2: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the perfect tender strips that integrate wonderfully with the pasta.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
In the same skillet, add your thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them until they soften and start to caramelize, which brings out their natural sweetness. The vibrant colors will make your dish not only tasty but visually appealing too.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, mixing everything to combine. Let this simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the steak and veggies.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring it through the sauce so every strand gets coated in that luscious mixture. Next, add half the shredded provolone cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly and starts to bind everything together.
Step 6: Finish with Steak and Melt the Cheese
Top the sauced pasta with your sliced steak and sprinkle on the remaining provolone cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and give the cheese a few minutes to melt into a gooey blanket that brings the entire dish to a glorious finish.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. It brightens the rich dish visually and adds a hint of herbal freshness that balances the savory flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables are also a great way to add more color and nutrition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe family-style in a large rustic skillet straight to the table for a warm, inviting presentation. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with extra cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a personalized spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheese Steak Pasta keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld even better the next day, making for an easy and delicious lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, avoid adding the cheese beforehand. Instead, store the pasta with the sauce and steak in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh cheese.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much. Finish by sprinkling on some provolone to melt fresh, bringing back the creamy cheesesteak magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin if preferred. Just adjust cooking times to keep the meat juicy and tender.
What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini, works beautifully. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine for a different texture experience.
Is there a vegetarian option for this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Swap the steak for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, sautéed until caramelized. Keep the peppers, onions, sauce, and cheese the same for a satisfying vegetarian take.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe is mild and creamy by default, making it approachable for all palates. However, adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes is a great way to customize the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe that feels indulgent yet simple enough to whip up any night you’re craving big flavor without a fuss. Its fantastic blend of savory steak, sweet peppers, and creamy cheese sauce wrapped around your favorite pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and I promise this will become one of your new go-to dishes to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Print
Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy Philly Cheese Steak Pasta combining tender seared flank steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and a rich provolone cheese sauce tossed with pasta. This dish brings the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting pasta meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound flank steak
Vegetables
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (divided)
Other
- 8 oz cooked pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the steak.
- Season steak: Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear steak: Add olive oil to the hot skillet and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Rest steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board to retain juices.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers; cook until soft and slightly caramelized to develop sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aroma.
- Make sauce: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Slice steak: While the sauce simmers, thinly slice the rested steak against the grain for tenderness.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in half of the shredded provolone cheese into the pasta mixture until melted and well combined.
- Top steak and cheese: Arrange the sliced steak on top of the pasta and sprinkle with the remaining provolone cheese.
- Melt cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it sit for a few minutes off heat or on very low heat to melt the cheese completely.
- Serve: Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Pasta hot and enjoy the fusion of flavors.
Notes
- Resting the steak after searing is crucial to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
- You can use any type of cooked pasta, though sturdier varieties like penne or rigatoni work well to hold the sauce.
- To make the dish quicker, use pre-cooked or leftover steak.
- For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
